Loughborough Students Men basketball booked their place in the BUCS Championship Final with a 66-53 win over Leeds Met Carnegie.

Loughborough exploded out of the gates behind some great play from Leicester Riders point guard Conner Washington and big man Barry Lamble.

Coach Jarram’s team then locked down defensively holding Leeds to just 14 points at the half to take a 32-14 lead into the break.

Leeds regrouped at the half to make a small run to begin the third period before Loughborough settled back into the game and continued to push the tempo of the game.

This allowed Loughborough to remain in control and they continued to lead going into the fourth quarter when Leeds Met’s Jack Stanard exploded to bring Leeds within nine; however this would be as close as they would come.

Heading down the stretch, Loughborough’s defence was again the focus point. Levi Noel and Washington took control once more to settle the game and bring Loughborough home to victory and a place in the Championship game.

Leicester Riders players, Lamble and Washington led the scoring for Loughborough Students with 14 points each whilst Great Britain and Leicester Riders’ Jamell Anderson added 12 points.

Head coach Mark Jarram commented on the success of the weekend.

“What a long weekend!! Firstly, I want to thank all the people behind the scenes that allowed us to have a great weekend.

“Everyone contributed and played their part from support staff to players and coaching staff.

“It was tremendous, special thanks to all those who helped us.

“We had a tough game on the Saturday vs LSBU. We thought we didn’t play our brand of basketball.

“We addressed that on the Saturday night and then gave ourselves the luxury to forget.

“Sunday we got up, prepared for Leeds and the players did a great job at executing the scout and the game plan.

“As a staff, we did our job preparing them, but they did their part.

“Players make plays and they did that at both ends of the floor come game-time. We are happy but we know we still have another game to go and that one is even more important.

“Let’s hope we have the same approach as we did this weekend.”

Loughborough will now face Worcester University in the Championship game on Wednesday March 26 at Surrey Sports Park at 8pm as part of BUCS BIG Wednesday.